Schmetz Stretch Needles
Schmetz Stretch Needles
Stretch Needles - for domestic machines
When do I use a stretch needle?
The stretch needle is designed specifically for sewing elastic fabrics and highly elastic knits, such as lycra or swimwear. Its medium ball point coupled with an extra deep scarf helps to minimize the chances of skipped stitches. If you encounter issues with your machine skipping stitches on stretchy fabrics, this needle could be the ideal solution. However, if the problem persists, it may indicate that your hook and needle timing needs adjustment, which typically requires a professional service.
Which size needle do you need for your sewing project?
Keep in mind that the thicker the material you are working with, the larger the needle size you will require to ensure smooth stitching and avoid any potential fabric damage!
Please note that some overlockers and some older Singer sewing machines take specialty needles. Please contact us to get guidance in these areas on 08 82727244 or info@allmakesewing.com.au
A bit about needle life…
On average we recommend the sewing life of a needle is 6-8 hours. The tip can snap clean if it has hit the machine hardware, different fabrics can cause the tip to wear/blunten, the shaft will weaken over time as it penetrates fabrics and the hole can even wear a groove over time as threads rub in the same spot. Please be aware that depending on fabric type, thickness and thread used, this life time will vary.
A bit about Schmetz…
Since 1851 SCHMETZ has been the leading manufacturer of quality sewing machine needles in the world. A SCHMETZ sewing machine needle passes through up to 35 stages of production and after each production stage there is a semi- or fully automated check. There are plenty of other cheaper brands who haven’t got this strict production process in place, and we see time and again first hand that the dodgy needle can cause havoc with your sewing experience (the hook not picking up the thread to form a stitch, thread shredding and thread breakages to name a few).
Please see below for more information on which needle to use for which fabric, and a useful ‘colour chart’ for knowing which needle you have in your machine currently ( without the use of a magnifying glass!).
https://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz-household-needle-chart/
https://www.schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/schmetz-needle-chart.pdf
Schmetz also have this handy app so you can get help 24/7 as to which needle would be best the fabric you are sewing on - for all your midnight sewers out there!